U.S. patent number 9,264,653 [Application Number 13/005,028] was granted by the patent office on 2016-02-16 for video and audio reproduction apparatus, and video and audio reproduction method.
This patent grant is currently assigned to SOCIONEXT INC.. The grantee listed for this patent is Yoko Kubo, Takayuki Matsui, Eiichi Moriyama, Masahiro Nakahira, Kazuhide Yanase. Invention is credited to Yoko Kubo, Takayuki Matsui, Eiichi Moriyama, Masahiro Nakahira, Kazuhide Yanase.
United States Patent |
9,264,653 |
Yanase , et al. |
February 16, 2016 |
Video and audio reproduction apparatus, and video and audio
reproduction method
Abstract
The DVD player includes: a reproducing unit reproducing audio
data and video data; a first transmission unit converting, into
first data in accordance with a first standard, the audio data and
video data reproduced by the reproducing unit, and transmitting the
first data to the television; a second transmission unit
converting, into second data in accordance with a second standard,
the audio data and video data reproduced by the reproducing unit,
and transmitting the second data to the television; a display
determination unit determining whether or not to display an error
message regarding an error occurring in the first transmission unit
based on whether or not the video is displayed using the first
data; and a display control unit causing the message display unit
to display the error message according to a result of the
determination by the display determination unit.
Inventors: |
Yanase; Kazuhide (Osaka,
JP), Matsui; Takayuki (Osaka, JP),
Moriyama; Eiichi (Kyoto, JP), Nakahira; Masahiro
(Osaka, JP), Kubo; Yoko (Osaka, JP) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Yanase; Kazuhide
Matsui; Takayuki
Moriyama; Eiichi
Nakahira; Masahiro
Kubo; Yoko |
Osaka
Osaka
Kyoto
Osaka
Osaka |
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A |
JP
JP
JP
JP
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
SOCIONEXT INC. (Kanagawa,
JP)
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Family
ID: |
41550166 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/005,028 |
Filed: |
January 12, 2011 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20110110645 A1 |
May 12, 2011 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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PCT/JP2009/003266 |
Jul 13, 2009 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Jul 14, 2008 [JP] |
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2008-183239 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N
5/85 (20130101); H04N 21/4122 (20130101); H04N
21/43622 (20130101); H04N 21/43632 (20130101); H04N
21/4135 (20130101); H04N 9/7921 (20130101); H04N
9/8205 (20130101); H04N 5/765 (20130101); H04N
5/775 (20130101); H04N 5/91 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H04N
5/775 (20060101); H04N 5/85 (20060101); H04N
21/4363 (20110101); H04N 21/436 (20110101); H04N
21/41 (20110101); H04N 9/82 (20060101); H04N
9/79 (20060101); H04N 5/91 (20060101); H04N
5/765 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;386/230,E5.07 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2005-51547 |
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Feb 2005 |
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JP |
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2006-352458 |
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Dec 2006 |
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JP |
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2007-141345 |
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Jun 2007 |
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JP |
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2007-215208 |
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Aug 2007 |
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JP |
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2007-220170 |
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Aug 2007 |
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JP |
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4020162 |
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Oct 2007 |
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JP |
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2008-52776 |
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Mar 2008 |
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JP |
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2008-52887 |
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Mar 2008 |
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JP |
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2008-131557 |
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Jun 2008 |
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JP |
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2010-21975 |
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Jan 2010 |
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JP |
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2008-0036440 |
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Apr 2008 |
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KR |
|
Other References
Japanese Notice of Allowance issued in Japanese Patent Application
No. 2008-183239 mailed on Feb. 12, 2013. cited by applicant .
International Search Report of PCT/JP2009/003266. cited by
applicant .
Extended European Search Report issued in European Patent
Application No. 09797683.1 mailed Oct. 26, 2012. cited by
applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Tran; Thai
Assistant Examiner: Yang; Nien-Ru
Attorney, Agent or Firm: McDermott Will & Emery LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This is a continuation application of PCT application No.
PCT/JP09/003266 filed on Jul. 13, 2009, designating the United
States of America.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A video and audio reproduction apparatus connectable to a video
and audio reception apparatus that displays video and emits sound,
said video and audio reproduction apparatus comprising: a
reproducing unit configured to reproduce audio data and video data;
a first transmission unit configured to convert, into first data in
accordance with a first standard, the audio data and the video data
reproduced by said reproducing unit, and to transmit the first data
to the video and audio reception apparatus; a second transmission
unit configured to convert, into second data in accordance with a
second standard, the audio data and the video data reproduced by
said reproducing unit, and to transmit the second data to the video
and audio reception apparatus; a message display unit configured to
display a message; a display determination unit configured to
determine, based on information transmitted from the video and
audio reception apparatus, which is external to the video and audio
reproduction apparatus, in interactive message communication
included in the first standard, whether the video and audio
reception apparatus displays the video and emits the sound using
the first data or the second data, to determine to display an error
message regarding an error occurring in said first transmission
unit when the video and audio reception apparatus displays the
video and emits the sound using the first data, and to determine
not to display the error message when the video and audio reception
apparatus displays the video and emits the sound using the second
data; and a display control unit configured to cause said message
display unit to display the error message when said display
determination unit determines to display the error message, and not
to cause said message display unit to display the error message
when said display determination unit determines not to display the
error message.
2. The video and audio reproduction apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein said display control unit is configured to cause said
message display unit to display the error message when said display
determination unit determines to display the error message, the
error message prompting switching of data to be used by the video
and audio reception apparatus for displaying the video and emitting
the sound from the first data to the second data.
3. The video and audio reproduction apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein said display control unit is further configured to cause
the video and audio reception apparatus to switch data to be used
for displaying the video and emitting the sound from the first data
to the second data, when said display determination unit determines
to display the error message.
4. The video and audio reproduction apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein said display determination unit is further configured to
determine not to display the error message regarding the error when
the error is defined in an apparatus authentication standard used
in the first standard.
5. The video and audio reproduction apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein said display determination unit is further configured to
control said first transmission unit to transmit, to the video and
audio reception apparatus, one of the video data and the audio data
that does not require apparatus authentication in accordance with
an apparatus authentication standard, when the error is defined in
the apparatus authentication standard used in the first
standard.
6. The video and audio reproduction apparatus according to claim 4,
wherein the apparatus authentication standard is an HDCP
standard.
7. The video and audio reproduction apparatus according to claim 1,
further comprising a setting storage unit configured to store
setting information indicating whether or not the error message
regarding the error occurring in said first transmission unit is to
be displayed, the setting information being set by a user
operation, wherein said display determination unit is further
configured to determine whether or not the error message regarding
the error occurring in said first transmission unit is to be
displayed, based on the setting information stored by said setting
storage unit.
8. The video and audio reproduction apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the first standard is an HDMI standard.
9. The video and audio reproduction apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the second standard is one of a composite standard and a
component standard.
10. A video and audio reproduction method performed by a video and
audio reproduction apparatus connectable to a video and audio
reception apparatus that displays video and emits sound, said
method comprising: reproducing audio data and video data;
converting, into first data in accordance with a first standard,
the audio data and the video data reproduced in said reproducing,
and transmitting the first data to the video and audio reception
apparatus; converting, into second data in accordance with a second
standard, the audio data and the video data reproduced in said
reproducing, and transmitting the second data to the video and
audio reception apparatus; determining, based on information
transmitted from the video and audio reception apparatus, which is
external to the video and audio reproduction apparatus, in
interactive message communication included in the first standard,
whether the video and audio reception apparatus displays the video
and emits the sound using the first data or the second data, to
determine to display an error message regarding an error occurring
in said transmitting of the first data when the video and audio
reception apparatus displays the video and emits the sound using
the first data, and to determine not to display the error message
when the video and audio reception apparatus displays the video and
emit the sound using the second data; and displaying the error
message when it is determined in said determining to display the
error message, and not displaying the error message when it is
determined in said determining not to display the error message.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a video and audio reproduction
apparatus, and in particular, to a video and audio reproduction
apparatus that is connectable to a video and audio reception
apparatus.
(2) Description of the Related Art
The video and audio reproduction apparatuses, such as a Digital
Versatile Disk (DVD) player, a DVD recorder, a Blu-ray Disc (BD)
recorder, and a BD player reproduce video and audio recorded on
recording media, and provide the reproduced data to video and audio
reception apparatuses, such as a television (TV) receiver and an AV
amplifier. Such video and audio reproduction apparatuses are
connected to video and audio reception apparatuses through cables,
such as a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cable, a
component cable, and a composite cable (RCA cable).
Furthermore, in the case where an error occurs when a video and
audio reproduction apparatus is HDMI-connected to a video and audio
reception apparatus, the video and audio reproduction apparatus
displays that the error occurs in an HDMI, on a front panel or an
On-Screen display (OSD) that are included in the video and audio
reproduction apparatus. The errors here include, for example, an
HDMI non-support error, a DDC communication error, and an
authentication error in an HDMI-supporting apparatus.
Furthermore, Japanese Patent No. 4020162 (hereinafter referred to
as PTL 1) discloses a conventional video and audio reproduction
apparatus that automatically determines an event corresponding to a
current state and displays a favorable message corresponding to the
corresponding event.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
However, the video and audio reproduction apparatus disclosed in
PTL 1 displays a message even when there is no need to display the
message. Thereby, there is a problem that the user has difficulties
in viewing time information and channel information displayed on
the front panel, or video displayed on the video and audio
reception apparatus that is being viewed by the user.
More specifically, even when a video and audio reproduction
apparatus is connected to a video and audio reception apparatus
through the HDMI cable, there are cases where these apparatuses are
further connected through another cable (component cable, composite
cable, or others). In other words, even when an error occurs in an
HDMI, the video and audio reception apparatus sometimes displays
video and emits sound that are received through another cable
according to the setting by the user.
As such, in the case where the user views video and audio except
from the HDMI, even when an error occurs in the HDMI, there is no
problem that the video is not displayed on and sound is not emitted
to the video and audio reception apparatus. Thus, the user has no
particular problem. However, displaying an error message in any
occasion causes the user to have difficulties in viewing
information displayed on a front panel, for example.
Although the problem is solved by not displaying the error message
of the HDMI here, what is not displayed includes information that
the user desires to know, such as an error caused by degradation in
a cable, for example. Accordingly, the user has difficulties in
detecting an occurring error. Thus, when there is a trouble, such
as a case where video is not displayed, a problem, for example,
that the user always needs to receive support from a manufacturer
occurs.
The present invention is to solve the problems, and has an object
of providing a video and audio reproduction apparatus that can
appropriately display an error message.
In order to attain the object, the video and audio reproduction
apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is a
video and audio reproduction apparatus connectable to a video and
audio reception apparatus that displays video and emits sound, and
includes: a reproducing unit configured to reproduce audio data and
video data; a first transmission unit configured to convert, into
first data in accordance with a first standard, the audio data and
the video data reproduced by the reproducing unit, and to transmit
the first data to the video and audio reception apparatus; a second
transmission unit configured to convert, into second data in
accordance with a second standard, the audio data and the video
data reproduced by the reproducing unit, and to transmit the second
data to the video and audio reception apparatus; a message display
unit configured to display a message; a display determination unit
configured to determine to display an error message regarding an
error occurring in the first transmission unit when the video and
audio reception apparatus displays the video and emits the sound
using the first data, and to determine not to display the error
message when the video and audio reception apparatus does not
display the video and emit the sound using the first data; and a
display control unit configured to cause the message display unit
to display the error message when the display determination unit
determines to display the error message, and not to cause the
message display unit to display the error message when the display
determination unit determines not to display the error message.
With the configuration, when the video and audio reception
apparatus does not display video using data of the first standard,
even in the case where an error occurs in the first transmission
unit, the video and audio reproduction apparatus according to an
aspect of the present invention does not display any error message.
Thereby, since the video and audio reproduction apparatus according
to the aspect of the present invention does not display an
unnecessary error message, it is possible to prevent the user from
having difficulties in viewing the information on reproducing the
video data and the audio data (time information and channel
information, etc.). In other words, the video and audio
reproduction apparatus according to the aspect of the present
invention can appropriately display the error message.
Furthermore, the display determination unit may be configured to
determine whether or not the video and audio reception apparatus
displays the video and emits the sound using the first data, based
on information transmitted from the video and audio reception
apparatus in interactive message communication included in the
first standard.
With the configuration, the video and audio reproduction apparatus
according to an aspect of the present invention can appropriately
display the error message using information transmitted from the
video and audio reception apparatus.
Furthermore, the display control unit may be configured to cause
the message display unit to display the error message when the
display determination unit determines to display the error message,
the error message prompting switching of data to be used by the
video and audio reception apparatus for displaying the video and
emitting the sound from the first data to the second data.
With the configuration, the user can continue to view video
reproduced by the video and audio reproduction apparatus, in
accordance with the displayed message.
Furthermore, the display control unit may be further configured to
cause the video and audio reception apparatus to switch data to be
used for displaying the video and emitting the sound from the first
data to the second data, when the display determination unit
determines to display the error message.
With the configuration, when an error occurs in the first
transmission unit, the video and audio reproduction apparatus
according to an aspect of the present invention can automatically
switch data to be used by the video and audio reception apparatus.
Thereby, the user can continue to view video reproduced by the
video and audio reproduction apparatus.
Furthermore, the display determination unit may be further
configured to determine not to display the error message regarding
the error when the error is defined in an apparatus authentication
standard used in the first standard.
With the configuration, the video and audio reproduction apparatus
according to an aspect of the present invention does not display
the error message when the video and audio reception apparatus does
not conform to the apparatus authentication standard. In other
words, the video and audio reproduction apparatus according to the
aspect of the present invention displays an error message regarding
an error important to the user, such as a break in a cable, whereas
it does not display an error message regarding an error that is
less important to the user, such as a case when the video and audio
reception apparatus does not conform to the apparatus
authentication standard.
Furthermore, the display determination unit may be further
configured to control the first transmission unit to transmit, to
the video and audio reception apparatus, one of the video data and
the audio data that does not require apparatus authentication in
accordance with an apparatus authentication standard, when the
error is defined in the apparatus authentication standard used in
the first standard.
With the configuration, the user can determine whether the
occurring error indicates that the video and audio reception
apparatus does not conform to the apparatus authentication
standard, the apparatus authentication has failed, or there is a
break in a cable, based on whether or not video is to be displayed
on (or sound is emitted to) the video and audio reception
apparatus. More specifically, the user can determine that there is
the break in the cable when video is not displayed on the video and
audio reception apparatus.
Furthermore, the apparatus authentication standard may be an HDCP
standard.
Furthermore, the video and audio reproduction apparatus may further
include a setting storage unit configured to store setting
information indicating whether or not the error message regarding
the error occurring in the first transmission unit is to be
displayed, the setting information being set by a user operation,
wherein the display determination unit may be further configured to
determine whether or not the error message regarding the error
occurring in the first transmission unit is to be displayed, based
on the setting information stored by the setting storage unit.
With the configuration, the user can set whether or not the error
message is to be displayed.
Furthermore, the first standard may be an HDMI standard.
Furthermore, the second standard is one of a composite standard and
a component standard.
Furthermore, the video and audio reproduction method according to
an aspect of the present invention is a video and audio
reproduction method performed by a video and audio reproduction
apparatus connectable to a video and audio reception apparatus that
displays video and emits sound, and the method includes:
reproducing audio data and video data; converting, into first data
in accordance with a first standard, the audio data and the video
data reproduced in the reproducing, and transmitting the first data
to the video and audio reception apparatus; converting, into second
data in accordance with a second standard, the audio data and the
video data reproduced in the reproducing, and transmitting the
second data to the video and audio reception apparatus; determining
to display an error message regarding an error occurring in the
transmitting of the first data when the video and audio reception
apparatus displays the video and emits the sound using the first
data, and determining not to display the error message when the
video and audio reception apparatus does not display the video and
emit the sound using the first data; and displaying the error
message when it is determined in the determining to display the
error message, and not displaying the error message when it is
determined in the determining not to display the error message.
Thereby, when the video and audio reception apparatus does not
display video using data that conforms to the first standard, even
in the case where an error occurs in the transmitting of the first
data, any error message is not displayed by the video and audio
reproduction method according to an aspect of the present
invention. Thereby, since the video and audio reproduction
apparatus according to the aspect of the present invention does not
display an unnecessary error message, it is possible to prevent the
user from having difficulties in viewing the information on
reproducing the video data and the audio data (time information and
channel information, etc.). In other words, with the video and
audio reproduction method according to the aspect of the present
invention, the error message can be appropriately displayed.
The present invention may be implemented as such a video and audio
reproduction apparatus but also as a video and audio reproduction
method using the characteristic units included in the video and
audio reproduction apparatus as steps, and as a program that causes
a computer to execute such characteristic steps. Such a program can
obviously be distributed through recording media such as a CD-ROM
and via transmission media such as the Internet.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
As described above, the present invention can provide a video and
audio reproduction apparatus and a video and audio reproduction
method for enabling the appropriate display of an error
message.
FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT TECHNICAL BACKGROUND TO THIS
APPLICATION
The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-183239 filed
on Jul. 14, 2008 including specification, drawings and claims is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The disclosure of PCT application No. PCT/JP09/003266 filed on Jul.
13, 2009, including specification, drawings and claims is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention
will become apparent from the following description thereof taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that illustrate a
specific embodiment of the invention. In the Drawings:
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a video and audio reproduction
system according to Embodiment 1 in the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a video
and audio reproduction apparatus according to Embodiment 1 in the
present invention;
FIG. 3 illustrates a display example of an error message in a video
and audio reproduction apparatus according to Embodiment 1 in the
present invention;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for displaying an
error message by a video and audio reproduction apparatus according
to Embodiment 1 in the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for displaying an
error message by a video and audio reproduction apparatus according
to Embodiment 2 in the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for displaying an
error message by a video and audio reproduction apparatus according
to Embodiment 3 in the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for displaying an
error message by a video and audio reproduction apparatus according
to Embodiment 4 in the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for displaying an
error message by a video and audio reproduction apparatus according
to Embodiment 5 in the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for displaying an
error message by a video and audio reproduction apparatus according
to Embodiment 6 in the present invention; and
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for displaying an
error message by a video and audio reproduction apparatus according
to Embodiment 7 in the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A video and audio reproduction apparatus according to the present
invention will be described hereinafter with reference to
drawings.
Embodiment 1
A video and audio reproduction apparatus according to Embodiment 1
in the present invention determines whether or not to display an
error message regarding an error occurring in an HDMI. Thereby, the
video and audio reproduction apparatus according to Embodiment 1 in
the present invention can appropriately display the error
message.
Hereinafter, a configuration of the video and audio reproduction
apparatus according to Embodiment 1 in the present invention will
be described.
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a video and audio reproduction
system 50 including a video and audio reproduction apparatus
according to Embodiment 1 in the present invention.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the video and audio reproduction system
50 includes a DVD player 10 and a television 100. Furthermore, the
DVD player 10 and the television 100 are connected to each other
through an HDMI cable 60 and a composite cable 61.
The DVD player 10 is a video and audio reproduction apparatus
connectable to a video and audio reception apparatus, such as a
television and an AV amplifier. The DVD player 10 transmits
reproduced video data and audio data to the television 100 through
the HDMI cable 60 or the composite cable 61. Furthermore, the DVD
player 10 includes a message display unit 14 that is a front panel,
and displays, on the message display unit 14, information on
reproduction of data. More specifically, the message display unit
14 displays, for example, the counted time of a content that is
being played back, an operation status, such as a playback status
and a pause status, a current time, and channel information.
The television 100 is a video and audio reception apparatus that
receives video data and audio data transmitted by the DVD player
10, displays video using the received video data, and emits sound
using the received audio data. The combination of "displaying
video" and "emitting sound" is also hereinafter simply referred to
as "displaying video". Furthermore, the television 100 displays
video using data received through one of the HDMI cable 60 and the
composite cable 61. For example, the user sets which data is used
for displaying the video by the television 100.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the DVD
player 10.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the DVD player 10 includes a reproducing
unit 11, a first transmission unit 12, a second transmission unit
13, a message display unit 14, and a control unit 15. Furthermore,
the control unit 15 includes a display determination unit 16 and a
display control unit 17.
The reproducing unit 11 reproduces audio data and video data. More
specifically, the reproducing unit 11 reads the audio data and the
video data recorded on a medium (DVD), and decodes the read audio
data and video data. Here, the reproducing unit 11 includes an
optical pick-up, a servo circuit, and an MPEG decoder that are not
illustrated.
The first transmission unit 12 converts the audio data and the
video data reproduced by the reproducing unit 11 respectively into
audio data and video data in accordance with a first standard.
Specifically, the first standard is the HDMI standard. Furthermore,
the first transmission unit 12 transmits the converted audio data
and video data (hereinafter referred to as "HDMI data") to the
television 100 through the HDMI cable 60.
The second transmission unit 13 converts the audio data and the
video data reproduced by the reproducing unit 11 respectively into
audio data and video data in accordance with a second standard.
Specifically, the second standard is a standard for a composite
video signal. Furthermore, the second transmission unit 13
transmits the converted audio data and video data (hereinafter
referred to as "composite data") to the television 100 through the
composite cable 61.
The message display unit 14 displays an error message indicating
occurrence of an error in the HDMI, in addition to information of
the counted time of a content that is being played back, an
operation status, such as a playback status and a pause status, a
current time, and channel information, for example.
FIG. 3 illustrates a display example of the error message. As
illustrated in FIG. 3, the message display unit 14 does not display
other information (counter information of the content that is being
played back and the current time, etc) when displaying the error
message.
The display determination unit 16 determines whether or not the
error message regarding the error occurring in the first
transmission unit 12 needs to be displayed. Here, the error
occurring in the first transmission unit 12 is an error occurring
when the first transmission unit 12 transmits HDMI data, for
example, an error that the HDMI data is not correctly transmitted
to the television 100.
The display control unit 17 causes the message display unit 14 to
display an error message according to a result of the determination
by the display determination unit 16. More specifically, the
display control unit 17 causes the message display unit 14 to
display the error message when the display determination unit 16
determines that the error message needs to be displayed, and does
not cause the message display unit 14 to display the error message
when the display determination unit 16 determines that the error
message need not be displayed.
Next, the operations of the DVD player 10 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for displaying an
error message by the DVD player 10.
First, the display determination unit 16 obtains information of an
error occurring in the first transmission unit 12 (S101). In other
words, the display determination unit 16 obtains information
indicating that an error occurs in the first transmission unit
12.
Next, the display determination unit 16 determines whether or not
an error message corresponding to the occurring error needs to be
displayed (S102).
When the error message needs to be displayed (Yes at S102), the
display control unit 17 controls the message display unit 14 to
display the error message (S103).
In contrast, when the error message need not be displayed (No at
S102), the display control unit 17 controls the message display
unit 14 not to display the error message (S104). In other words,
the message display unit 14 does not display information other
than, for example, the count value that is currently being
displayed.
As described above, the DVD player 10 according to Embodiment 1 in
the present invention determines whether or not the error message
regarding the error occurring in the first transmission unit 12
needs to be displayed. Thereby, the DVD player 10 can appropriately
display an error in a situation desired by the user.
Embodiment 2
Embodiment 2 in the present invention describes a specific example
of determining whether or not an error message is to be
displayed.
The configuration of the DVD player 10 according to Embodiment 2 is
approximately the same as that of FIG. 2, and thus the description
will be omitted.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for displaying an
error message by the DVD player 10 according to Embodiment 2. FIG.
5 differs from FIG. 4 by the processes at Steps S202 and S203.
First, the display determination unit 16 obtains information of an
error regarding the HDMI that occurs in the first transmission unit
12 (S201).
Then, the display determination unit 16 obtains, using Consumer
Electronics Control (hereinafter abbreviated as "CEC") defined in
the HDMI standard, information indicating from which terminal
(tuner, composite, component, HDMI, etc.) video data and audio data
that are the sources of video displayed on the television 100 and
sound emitted to the television 100 are obtained (S202). In other
words, the display determination unit 16 obtains information
whether the television 100 displays video using HDMI data or using
composite data.
Here, the CEC is a standard to be used for controlling apparatuses
connected through the HDMI cable 60. Using the CEC, an apparatus
can obtain operation information of other apparatuses, and control
their operations. For example, the television 100 can be turned on
simultaneously when the DVD player is turned on.
Here, the composite standard or others is a standard including
one-way data communication (only data transmission from the DVD
player 10 to the television 100 is possible). Thus, in accordance
with the composite standard, the DVD player 10 cannot obtain
information indicating an operation status of the television 100
(which data is being used, etc.). In other words, the user has to
determine whether or not an error occurs based on whether or not
video is to be displayed on the television 100.
In contrast, the HDMI standard is a standard that includes the
one-way data communication and interactive message communication.
With the one-way data communication, the video data and the audio
data are transmitted from the DVD player 10 to the television 100,
whereas with the interactive message communication, information (a
message) is transmitted and received between the DVD player 10 and
the television 100. Thus, the DVD player 10 can determine whether
or not the television 100 displays video using the HDMI data, based
on information transmitted from the television 100 in the
interactive message communication. Thereby, the DVD player 10 can
determine whether or not an error message is displayed.
Next, the display determination unit 16 determines whether or not
an error message corresponding to an error occurring in the HDMI
needs to be displayed, based on the determination of whether or not
the television 100 displays the video using the HDMI data fed to an
HDMI terminal (S203). More specifically, when the television 100
displays the video using the HDMI data, the display determination
unit 16 determines that the error message needs to be displayed. In
contrast, when the television 100 displays video using data other
than the HDMI data (such as composite data), the display
determination unit 16 determines that the error message need not be
displayed.
When the error message needs to be displayed (Yes at S203), the
display control unit 17 controls the message display unit 14 to
display the error message (S204).
In contrast, when the error message need not be displayed (No at
S203), the display control unit 17 controls the message display
unit 14 not to display the error message (S205). In other words,
the message display unit 14 does not display information other
than, for example, the count value that is currently being
displayed.
As described above, the DVD player 10 according to Embodiment 2 in
the present invention determines whether or not the error message
is to be displayed according to an input state of the television
100 that is obtained using the CEC. More specifically, although the
DVD player 10 is connected to the HDMI cable 60, it does not
display any error message when the television 100 does not
currently use the HDMI data. As such, in the case where the user
views video except from the HDMI, even when an error occurs in the
HDMI, there is no problem that the video is not displayed on the
television 100, for example. Thus, the user has any particular
problem.
In other words, the DVD player 10 according to Embodiment 2 in the
present invention does not display any error message when
occurrence of an error does not particularly affect the user's
viewing of video. Since the DVD player 10 thereby prevents a
message that is not necessary for the user from being displayed,
the convenience of the user can be improved.
Embodiment 3
Embodiment 3 in the present invention describes a specific example
of an error message to be displayed.
The configuration of the DVD player 10 according to Embodiment 3 is
approximately the same as that of FIG. 2, and thus the description
will be omitted.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for displaying an
error message by the DVD player 10 according to Embodiment 3. FIG.
6 differs from FIG. 4 by the process at Step S303.
First, the display determination unit 16 obtains information of an
error regarding an HDMI that occurs in the first transmission unit
12 (S301).
Next, the display determination unit 16 determines whether or not
an error message corresponding to the occurring HDMI error needs to
be displayed (S302). For example, the display determination unit 16
can determine whether or not the error message is to be displayed
using the CEC as described in Embodiment 2.
When the error message needs to be displayed (Yes at S302), the
display control unit 17 controls the message display unit 14 to
display the error message prompting switching from an input of the
television 100 to an input other than the HDMI (composite, etc.)
(S303). In other words, the message display unit 14 displays the
error message prompting switching data to be used by the television
100 for displaying video and emitting sound from HDMI data to
composite data.
In contrast, when the error message need not be displayed (No at
S302), the display control unit 17 controls the message display
unit 14 not to display the error message (S304). In other words,
the message display unit 14 does not display information other
than, for example, the count value that is currently being
displayed.
As described above, the DVD player 10 according to Embodiment 3 in
the present invention prompts the user to use another input when
the HDMI data cannot be used due to occurrence of an error in the
HDMI. Thereby, the user can continuously view the video reproduced
by the DVD player 10 in accordance with a message displayed by the
DVD player 10.
Embodiment 4
The DVD player 10 according to Embodiment 4 in the present
invention switches an input of the television 100 to an input other
than an HDMI using the CEC as well as displaying an error message,
when the error occurs in the HDMI.
The configuration of the DVD player 10 according to Embodiment 4 is
approximately the same as that of FIG. 2, and thus the description
will be omitted. FIG. 7 differs from FIG. 5 by the process at Step
S404.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for displaying an
error message by the DVD player 10 according to Embodiment 4.
First, the display determination unit 16 obtains information of an
error regarding an HDMI that occurs in the first transmission unit
12 (S401).
Then, the display determination unit 16 obtains, using the CEC,
information indicating from which terminal (tuner, composite,
component, HDMI, etc.) video data and audio data that are the
sources of video displayed on the television 100 and sound emitted
to the television 100 are obtained (S402).
Next, the display determination unit 16 determines whether or not
an error message corresponding to the error occurring in the HDMI
needs to be displayed, based on the determination of whether or not
the television 100 displays the video using the HDMI data (S403).
More specifically, when the television 100 displays the video using
the HDMI data, the display determination unit 16 determines that
the error message needs to be displayed. In contrast, when the
television 100 displays the video using data other than the HDMI
data (such as composite data), the display determination unit 16
determines that the error message need not be displayed.
When the error message needs to be displayed (Yes at S403), the
display control unit 17 switches an input of the television 100
from an HDMI to an input other than the HDMI using the CEC (S404).
In other words, the display control unit 17 switches data to be
used by the television 100 for displaying video and emitting sound
from HDMI data to composite data.
Furthermore, the message display unit 14 displays an error message.
Here, the display control unit 17 may only switch between inputs of
the television 100, and does not have to cause the message display
unit 14 to display an error message.
In contrast, when the error message need not be displayed (No at
S403), the display control unit 17 controls the message display
unit 14 not to display the error message (S405). In other words,
the message display unit 14 does not display information other
than, for example, the count value that is currently being
displayed.
The DVD player 10 according to Embodiment 4 in the present
invention switches an input of the television 100 to an input other
than an HDMI using the CEC as well as displaying an error message,
when the television 100 uses an input of the HDMI and then an error
occurs in the HDMI. Thereby, the DVD player 10 can avoid a state
where video is not displayed on the television 100, and the user
can continuously view video reproduced by the DVD player 10.
Embodiment 5
The DVD player 10 according to Embodiment 5 in the present
invention determines whether or not an error message is to be
displayed based on whether or not an error occurring in an HDMI is
a High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) error.
The configuration of the DVD player 10 according to Embodiment 5 is
approximately the same as that of FIG. 2, and thus the description
will be omitted.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for displaying an
error message by the DVD player 10 according to Embodiment 5. FIG.
8 differs from FIG. 4 by the process at Step S502.
First, the display determination unit 16 obtains information of an
error regarding an HDMI that occurs in the first transmission unit
12 (S501).
Next, the display determination unit 16 determines whether or not
an error message corresponding to the occurring HDMI error needs to
be displayed, based on the determination of whether or not the
occurring HDMI error is an HDCP error (S502). More specifically,
when the HDMI error is an HDCP error, the display determination
unit 16 determines that the error message need not be displayed. In
contrast, when the HDMI error is other than the HDCP error, the
display determination unit 16 determines that the error message
needs to be displayed.
Here, the HDCP standard is an apparatus authentication standard
used in the HDMI. In other words, the HDCP error indicates that the
apparatus authentication of the HDCP has failed. Here, even when an
apparatus conforms to the HDMI standard, the apparatus sometimes
does not conform to the HDCP standard. In other words, the display
determination unit 16 determines whether or not the television 100
conforms to the HDCP standard. When the television 100 does not
conform to the HDCP standard, the display determination unit 16
determines that the error message need not be displayed.
When the HDMI error is not an HDCP error (No at S502), the display
control unit 17 controls the message display unit 14 to display the
error message (S503).
In contrast, when the HDMI error is an HDCP error (Yes at S502),
the display control unit 17 controls the message display unit 14
not to display the error message (S504). In other words, the
message display unit 14 does not display information other than,
for example, the count value that is currently being displayed.
As described above, the DVD player 10 according to Embodiment 5 in
the present invention does not display an error message regarding
an error occurring between the DVD player 10 and an apparatus that
does not conform to the HDMI standard. Here, the HDCP error is an
error less important than, for example, an error occurring when
there is a break in a cable. In other words, the HDCP error does
not always have to be notified to the user. As such, the DVD player
10 can prevent displaying a message that is not necessary for the
user.
At Step S503, the DVD player 10 may display a message that prompts
switching between inputs of the television 100 as described in
Embodiment 3, and switch between inputs of the television 100 as
described in Embodiment 4.
Furthermore as described in Embodiment 2, the DVD player 10 may
determine whether or not the television 100 uses HDMI data, and
when the television 100 uses the HDMI data (Yes at S203), the DVD
player 10 may further perform the processes after Step S502 in FIG.
8.
Embodiment 6
The DVD player 10 according to Embodiment 6 in the present
invention is a modification of the DVD player 10 according to
Embodiment 5. When an error occurring in an HDMI is an HDCP error,
the DVD player 10 transmits, to the television 100, video
displayable even without conformance to the HDCP standard. Thereby,
the user can determine whether the error is caused by no
conformance to the HDCP standard or a break in a cable.
The configuration of the DVD player 10 according to Embodiment 6 is
approximately the same as that of FIG. 2, and thus the description
will be omitted.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for displaying an
error message by the DVD player 10 according to Embodiment 6. FIG.
9 differs from FIG. 8 by the process at Step S604.
First, the display determination unit 16 obtains information of an
error regarding an HDMI that occurs in the first transmission unit
12 (S601).
Next, the display determination unit 16 determines whether or not
an error message corresponding to the occurring HDMI error needs to
be displayed, based on the determination of whether or not the
occurring HDMI error is an HDCP error (S602). More specifically,
when the HDMI error is an HDCP error, the display determination
unit 16 determines that an error message need not be displayed. In
contrast, when the HDMI error is other than the HDCP error, the
display determination unit 16 determines that an error message
needs to be displayed.
When the HDMI error is not an HDCP error (No at S602), the display
control unit 17 controls the message display unit 14 to display the
error message (S603).
In contrast, when the HDMI error is an HDCP error (Yes at S602),
the display control unit 17 causes the first transmission unit 12
to transmit, to the television 100, video data and audio data that
do not require authentication defined in the HDCP (S604). In other
words, the first transmission unit 12 transmits, to the television
100, the video data and audio data that are displayable even
without conformance to the HDCP standard. Thereby, the television
100 can display and provide video data and audio data that do not
require authentication, except when the television 100 cannot
receive data due to a break in the HDMI cable 60. In this case, the
message display unit 14 may or may not display an error message.
Furthermore, the first transmission unit 12 has only to transmit at
least one of the video data and audio data that do not require
authentication.
As described above, the DVD player 10 according to Embodiment 6 in
the present invention transmits data that does not require
authentication to the television 100 in the case of occurrence of
an HDCP error. Thereby, even when an error occurs due to a break in
the HDMI cable 60 and others, video is not displayed on the
television 100. When an error occurs due to no conformance to the
HDCP standard, video is displayed on the television 100. Thus, the
user can determine whether there is a break in the HDMI cable 60 or
the television 100 does not conform to the HDCP standard, based on
whether or not video is to be displayed on the television 100.
At Step S603, the DVD player 10 may display a message that prompts
switching between inputs of the television 100 as described in
Embodiment 3, and switch between inputs of the television 100 as
described in Embodiment 4.
Furthermore as described in Embodiment 2, the DVD player 10 may
determine whether or not the television 100 uses HDMI data, and
when the television 100 uses the HDMI data (Yes at S203), the DVD
player 10 may further perform the processes after Step S602 in FIG.
9.
Embodiment 7
The DVD player 10 according to Embodiment 7 in the present
invention determines whether or not an error message is to be
displayed according to setting information set by the user.
The configuration of the DVD player 10 according to Embodiment 7 is
approximately the same as that of FIG. 2, and thus the description
will be omitted.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for displaying an
error message by the DVD player 10 according to Embodiment 7. FIG.
10 differs from FIG. 4 by the processes at Steps S702 and S703.
First, the display determination unit 16 obtains information of an
error regarding an HDMI that occurs in the first transmission unit
12 (S701).
Next, the display determination unit 16 obtains setting information
set by the user (S702). Here, the setting information is
information indicating whether or not an error message is to be
displayed, and is set by the user in advance. Furthermore, the
setting information is stored in a storage unit (not illustrated)
included in the DVD player 10.
Next, the display determination unit 16 determines whether or not
an error message corresponding to the occurring HDMI error needs to
be displayed, based on the obtained setting information (S703). In
other words, when the setting information indicates that the error
message is to be displayed, the display determination unit 16
determines that the error message needs to be displayed. In
contrast, when the setting information indicates that the error
message is not displayed, the display determination unit 16
determines that the error message need not be displayed.
When the error message needs to be displayed (Yes at S703), the
display control unit 17 controls the message display unit 14 to
display the error message (S704).
In contrast, when the error message need not be displayed (No at
S703), the display control unit 17 controls the message display
unit 14 not to display the error message (S705). In other words,
the message display unit 14 does not display information other
than, for example, the count value that is currently being
displayed.
The DVD player 10 according to Embodiment 7 in the present
invention determines whether or not an error message is to be
displayed according to setting information set by the user.
Thereby, the DVD player 10 can display an error message only when
the user needs the display.
At Step S704, the DVD player 10 may display a message that prompts
switching between inputs of the television 100 as described in
Embodiment 3, and switch between inputs of the television 100 as
described in Embodiment 4.
Furthermore, when the error message needs to be displayed at S703
(Yes at S703), the DVD player 10 may perform the determination
process as described in Embodiments 2, 5, or 6, or two or more of
the determination processes of Embodiments 2, 5, and 6. Similarly,
the DVD player 10 may perform the processes after Step S702 in FIG.
10 after a determination process identical to the process in
Embodiment 2, 5, or 6.
Although the DVD player 10 according to Embodiments in the present
invention is described hereinbefore, the present invention is not
limited to Embodiments.
For example, the functions of the DVD player 10 described in at
least two or more of Embodiments 1 to 7 may be combined.
Furthermore, although the example of the DVD player is described as
a video and audio reproduction apparatus according to the present
invention in the description, the video and audio reproduction
apparatus may be any video and audio reproduction apparatus that
provides video data and audio data, such as a DVD recorder, a BD
player, a BD recorder, and a hard disc recorder.
Furthermore, although the example of the television 100 is
described as a video and audio reception apparatus in the
description, the video and audio reception apparatus may be any
video and audio reception apparatus that at least displays video
and emits sound, such as an AV amplifier, a projector, and a
display.
Furthermore, each of the functional blocks in FIG. 2 may be
implemented by a dedicated circuit (hardware), or by executing a
program using a processor, such as a CPU.
Furthermore, although the DVD player 10 and the television 100 are
connected to each other through two cables of the HDMI cable 60 and
the composite cable 61 in the description, they may be connected
through three or more cables.
Furthermore, the standard to which the first transmission unit 12
conforms is not limited to the HDMI standard. As long as the
standard allows at least interactive message communication, any
standard may be used.
Furthermore, the standard to which the second transmission unit 13
conforms is not limited to the composite standard, but any standard
may be used.
Furthermore, the standards to which the first transmission unit 12
and the second transmission unit 13 conform are not limited to
standards for wired connection, but may be standards that
wirelessly perform data communication.
Furthermore, although the message display unit 14 does not display
other information (counter information of the content that is being
played back and the current time, etc) when displaying the error
message in the description, it may display a part of or an entire
of the other information.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
The present invention is applicable to a video and audio
reproduction apparatus, and in particular, to a DVD player, a DVD
recorder, a BD recorder, and a BD player that conform to the HDMI
standard.
Although only some exemplary embodiments of this invention have
been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the
exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel
teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such
modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this
invention.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
The present invention is applicable to a video and audio
reproduction apparatus, and in particular, to a DVD player, a DVD
recorder, a BD recorder, and a BD player that conform to the HDMI
standard.
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